Making decisions that align with our spiritual walk isn't always easy. Sometimes we need to deliberately remove things from our lives that lead to earthly mindsets and outcomes. This guide explores how to identify and eliminate barriers between ourselves and our spiritual growth.
Why Must We Remove Earthly Things? When we become alive in Christ, certain behaviors and mindsets are no longer part of our identity. Just as dead and living beings don't share the same breath, we cannot possess both the breath of God and earthly desires. We must choose one path.
What Happens If We Let Earthly Things Live? The simple truth is: if you don't kill it, it will kill you. Romans 6:23 reminds us that "the wages of sin is death." Sinful desires are never satisfied with just a little - they always demand more. Whether it's anger, sexual immorality, or harmful speech, these behaviors will eventually lead to destruction in our lives.
When Should We Remove These Things? The answer is immediate. There's no purpose in delaying when it comes to eliminating things that are trying to destroy us. Just as Pharaoh foolishly chose to wait another day to remove the plague of frogs, we often postpone dealing with harmful elements in our lives. The time for change is now.
How Do We Know What to Remove? The guideline is clear: anything that creates distance between you and your spiritual walk needs to be addressed. Luke 9:23 tells us to "deny ourselves and take up our cross daily."
This means:
Identifying barriers between ourselves and our faith
Removing not just sinful actions but the mindsets that produce them
Making daily choices to put our flesh under submission
Life Application This week, challenge yourself to: Identify one thing creating distance between you and your spiritual walk Take immediate action to remove it Replace it with practices that strengthen your faith
Ask yourself: 1. What specific behaviors or mindsets am I holding onto that I need to release?
2. Am I dealing with just the symptoms of my struggles or addressing the root cause?
3. What daily choices can I make to maintain closeness in my spiritual walk?
Remember, transformation isn't about simply modifying behavior - it's about allowing complete renewal of your mind and spirit. Don't wait until tomorrow to begin this crucial journey of spiritual growth.